Reactions of Organic Compounds

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering organic chemistry reactions including combustion, substitution, addition, redox, elimination, and condensation based on the lecture transcript.

Primary Alcohol

A type of alcohol where the carbon atom bonded to the $-OH$ group is only bonded to one alkyl group.

Secondary Alcohol

A type of alcohol where the carbon atom bonded to the $-OH$ group is also bonded to two alkyl groups.

Tertiary Alcohol

A type of alcohol where the carbon atom bonded to the $-OH$ group is also bonded to three alkyl groups.

Complete Combustion

A rapid, exothermic reaction with excess $O_2$ that produces $CO_2$ and $H_2O$.

Incomplete Combustion

A reaction with limited $O_2$ that produces soot and $CO$ instead of $CO_2$.

Substitution Reaction

A reaction where an atom or functional group is replaced with another functional group; this only occurs in saturated compounds.

Addition Reaction

A reaction that involves adding a small molecule to the double bond in an alkene, converting an unsaturated compound into a saturated one.

Markovnikov’s Rule

A rule stating that in the addition of hydrogen halides ($HX$) or water ($H-OH$) to asymmetrical alkenes, the $H$ adds to the carbon atom that already has more hydrogen atoms attached.

Addition Polymerisation

A process where giant molecules (polymers) are formed by linking repeating units (monomers) that contain double bonds, requiring a catalyst and high temperature.

Bromine Test for Saturation

A chemical test used to distinguish between alkanes and alkenes; orange/brown bromine water ($Br_2$) decolourises quickly when added to an unsaturated alkene.

Oxidation (Organic Chemistry)

The gain of oxygen atom(s) or the loss of hydrogen atom(s) by an organic compound.

Reduction (Organic Chemistry)

The gain of hydrogen atom(s) or the loss of oxygen atom(s) by an organic compound.

Oxidising Agents

Substances such as acidified $Cr_2O_7^{2-}$ (dichromate) or $MnO_4^-$ (permanganate) commonly used to convert alcohols into aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids.

Dichromate Ion ($Cr_2O_7^{2-}$) Color Change

An orange oxidising agent that turns green as it is reduced during the oxidation of primary or secondary alcohols.

Permanganate Ion ($MnO_4^-$) Color Change

A dark purple oxidising agent that becomes colourless as it is reduced; conditions may sometimes favor the formation of a brown precipitate.

Elimination Reaction

A reaction involving the removal of a small molecule from a saturated chain to form a double bond, requiring a strong base in alcohol and high temperature.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction where two reactants combine with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water; common examples include ester and amide formation.

Esterification

A reversible condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, requiring a concentrated acid catalyst and heat, to form an ester and water.

Hydrolysis of Esters

The reverse of the esterification reaction where an ester reacts with excess water, heat, and a dilute acid catalyst to form a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.

Amide Formation

A condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an amine or ammonia, typically requiring high temperatures and a catalyst.